How to Make Puppy Chow

Ceara MilliganUpdated: Mar. 29, 2022

Homemade Powdered Sugar Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies to Eat

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Here's a fun snack that you won't be able to get enough of! Learn how to make classic puppy chow, plus a bunch of spins on the tried-and-true recipe.

You can’t eat puppy chow without thinking about a birthday party or a sleepover with friends. It’s something that reminds us of childhood—kind of like school lunch or any dessert made with Jell-O.

It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never attempted it before. Below, we’ve provided the classic recipe for puppy chow, plus a handful of ways to make puppy chow without peanut butter.

What Is Puppy Chow?

Puppy chow—aka “Muddy Buddies”—is a delicious snack that’s popular across the country, but mainly in the Midwest. To make it, all you need are a few pantry ingredients, including plenty of powdered sugar.

How to Make Puppy Chow

First, we’ll start with the traditional “back of the Chex box” recipe. It’s a classic in our house.

What You’ll Need

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (See what brand our Test Kitchen recommends.)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Pro Tip: You can use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for more PB flavor.

Step 1: Melt, Stir, Repeat

Place the chocolate, peanut butter and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir thoroughly. Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Add the vanilla and stir the mixture until smooth.

Step 2: Shake, Shake, Shake

Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate butter mixture and gently toss and stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Then, pour the chocolate-coated cereal into an extra-large resealable bag. Carefully add the powdered sugar.

Seal the bag completely and shake until the cereal is sugar-coated.

Step 3: Ready, Set, Cool

Spread the puppy chow out on parchment paper. Let the mix cool before enjoying. (Warning: This is the hardest step!)

You can store leftovers in an airtight container.

How to Make Puppy Chow Without Peanut Butter

If you or someone you’re cooking for has a peanut allergy or avoids peanut butter, have no fear! You can make puppy chow without the PB:

Use 1/2 cup Nutella instead of peanut butter; increase butter to 2/3 cup
Skip the 1/2 cup of peanut butter; cut butter to 2 tablespoons

Here are more allergy-friendly treats that skip dairy, gluten, eggs or nuts.

Ready for More?

To make puppy chow without peanut butter, you can also start with a fresh take on the snack food. I promise each recipe is delicious and addictive!

Cupcake Puppy Chow: The birthday-inspired recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction calls for cream, white chocolate and plenty of rainbow sprinkles. See the recipe.

Snickerdoodle Puppy Chow: The hint of cinnamon gives this puppy chow a spicy-sweet kick. Your Cup of Cake uses cinnamon, sugar and white chocolate chips for real snickerdoodle flavor. See the recipe.

Coconut Lime Puppy Chow: Escape to paradise, no matter where in the world you are! This fruity variety of puppy chow from Around My Family Table will make you feel like you’re on vacation. See the recipe.

More Tasty Snack Mixes for a Crowd

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Ranch Snack MixThis is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin